Peter Doig - Zermatt (2022)

Zermatt (2022) - A colorful foray by the artist into the genre of still life

The contemporary Scottish artist Peter Doig has become one of the most important painters of our time. His paintings are characterized by the fact that they depict landscapes and figures in equal measure and combine art-historical and personal references to create painterly abstractions with distinctive compositions.

In the 1990s, the artist began painting snowy landscapes and mountain motifs. Now he has returned to the theme with an exclusive series, which he is publishing in collaboration with HENI Editions and the famous art museum Stiftung Beleyer: the Zermatt series (2022). The series was created during Doig's visit to Zermatt and was inspired by ski posters designed to attract people to the mountains. The series consists of 6 prints in the format of approx. 114 x 80 cm, framed in oak frames.

What is special about these works: the set of six prints offered was sold online via a lottery system. Lottery systems are used when publishing very exclusive works by highly sought-after artists. Demand is significantly higher than supply and so the museum decides, in consultation with the artist, that the buyers will be randomly selected, and these "winners" can then purchase the works at the regular retail price. The demand for works such as those by Peter Doig is also so high because the works are often worth many times more shortly after purchase, making them an excellent investment.

The most important features of the works of art

About Peter Doig

Peter Doig is considered one of the most important international artists of our time in the field of figurative art. His works are characterized by the depiction of many different cultures and experiences from his life and do not follow any fashion or trend in terms of style.

At the age of three, Peter Doig and his family moved to Trinidad, and after just four years the family moved to Canada. They settled first in Montreal, then in Quebec and then in rural Ontario. At the age of 19, the young Briton returned to Great Britain and devoted himself to art as part of his studies at the Wimbledon School of Art and St. Martins School of Art.

During his studies, his first works were characterized by cartoon-like figurations. With his representative art, he stood out from the constituted minimalist art that was prevalent at the time.

When he returned to Canada in 1986, he worked as a scenery painter. Memories of his childhood in London influenced his art in a certain way. At that time, Doig was inspired by Canadian snow landscapes and painted many works in this style.

In 1989, the artist, who had already gained fame by then, returned to London, where he attended the Chelsea School of Art. His success continued. He received the "Whitechapel Artists Award" and signed contracts with major galleries, so that his works became increasingly well-known and valuable!

In 2000 he returned to Trinidad for the first time, and in 2002 he and his family moved there permanently. There he was inspired by the island and incorporated his impressions and the history of the country into his works.

For his work, he traveled all over the world to produce images that would bring together the real and imaginary worlds of everyday life.

In 2018, Doig began his series Zermatt: the works are observed through the perspective of a third observer and require a second look. The motifs are mostly illustrations of landscapes, some of which seem realistic and some of which seem very unrealistic. With a feeling of home and a certain eerie tension, Doig creates unique landscapes of memory. He himself describes his style as cinematic.

The art market also confirms his internationally renowned position as a contemporary artist. His work “Swamped” brought in 34.3 million euros at an auction at the end of 2021.